Sustainable travel: how to minimise the biggest travel sins - NIKIN EU

Sustainable travel: how to minimise the biggest travel sins

It's summer and therefore holiday time - people are going away and that's a good thing. But you just have to always be aware of the impact this brings. Sometimes the most beautiful places in the world are not so environmentally damaging to travel to.

It's summer and therefore holiday time - people are going away and that's a good thing. But you just have to always be aware of the impact this brings. Sometimes the most beautiful places in the world are not so environmentally damaging to travel to.

Sustainable travel

Sustainability should shape all areas of life if it is really lived convincingly. But especially when it comes to holidays, even those who otherwise buy from organic farmers, do without plastic and do not drive a car are sinning. Tour operators know from experience: on holiday, customers want to have fun and get away from it all. Sometimes even from the desire to save the world. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that travelling in particular causes considerable damage. And this does not only apply toCO2 emissions.

Our holiday pleasure: where we "sin" the most

It is quite clear that air travel abruptly burns up many of the lifestyle bonus points collected elsewhere. Aeroplanes emitCO2 that makes you dizzy. And air travel is still so cheap, especially the popular mini city weekends, but also all-inclusive tours for little money in Africa, Asia or the Caribbean. Such offers are indeed not sustainable. But would a cruise be a good idea? Again, no. Because the ocean liners damage the environment at least as much, no one can check exactly how much waste they dump in the sea, and the working conditions of the crew are not even worth considering. And the consequences of the daily arrival of the big ships can be seen in the example of Venice. Here, the enormous bow waves damage the foundations of the palazzi, and the swarms of tourists increasingly drive local Venetians out of their own city.

Are there alternatives - and how do you go about travelling more sustainably?

Alternatives do indeed exist, and they are even very worthwhile. Because if you don't spend hours at the airport or get stuck in traffic jams by car, the holiday pleasure begins much earlier and the relaxation is also more sustainable for the traveller. Basically, you don't have to go far at all, quite the opposite.

Those who live in the city and simply stay at home on holiday benefit from empty streets and parks and can often enjoy a special holiday offer from the municipalities, especially for families with children. But if you do need a change of scenery, there are two ways to travel completely "green" - either by train, or by carpooling. Travelling by train decelerates, and especially when travelling long distances, you can enjoy the journey and not just the destination. If you like it particularly relaxed, you can cover longer distances on a sleeper train. It costs no more than an overnight stay in a middle-class hotel!

And for those who like to socialise, riding with others is a way to drastically reduceCO2 emissions from driving and perhaps meet nice travelling companions in the process. Platforms on the internet bring drivers and passengers together and ensure that one can also cover longer distances at affordable prices.

Often underestimated is a way of travelling that was not at all uncommon until the 19th century - namely on foot. In recent years, however, more and more people are discovering so-called pilgrimage routes for themselves. The Way of St. James to Santiago di Compostela is particularly popular. You don't have to be very religious to do this. Travelling on foot helps you to reflect on yourself, shift down a gear (or several) and become more mindful. The Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) stretches across Europe. The first step often begins on your own doorstep. And you don't have to walk all the way to Santiago...

And what if you still want to go overseas?

If you want to travel to Africa or America, you can hardly avoid the plane. In this case, experts recommend staying at least long enough to make the flight worthwhile - also ecologically - i.e. at least two, preferably three weeks. It goes without saying that such a holiday can only be combined with a green conscience every few years.

But it's not just about nature!

Sustainable travel should also consider the integrity of the destinations and the lives of the people there. And here, too, the traveller can do a lot. For example:

  • Do not travel to countries where the human rights situation is questionable.
  • Avoid overcrowded, "trendy" holiday resorts - you'll get ripped off here anyway, and the influx of tourists is not good for the area.
  • Travel outside peak travel times if at all possible.
  • Do not stay in international hotel chains, but choose hotels or resorts run by local companies.
  • Make trips and purchases from local sources, eat in local restaurants.
  • Use public transport even on holiday.
  • Produce as little waste as possible on the road.

 

 To sum up: you should travel in such a way that the people where you are travelling are just as happy as you are about your trip. And you can make a really big contribution to this with just a little effort!

Everyone can and should join in - NIKIN shows the way

Although at NIKIN we are primarily concerned with sustainable materials in the fashion industry and fighting global deforestation, it is important to think sustainably in other areas of life as well. We want to motivate people to rethink their lifestyle and possibly make it more sustainable.

It's summer holiday time and despite the ongoing climate debates, many people still travel to the farthest corners of the world. We don't want to point the finger at holidaymakers, but instead point out alternatives to planes and cruise ships. Because: Travelling is beautiful and important. But you can plan your trip in such a way that you do not harm the environment or the people at your destination - and still have a lot of holiday fun!

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